Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery is generally well-tolerated; most patients experience mild discomfort. During the procedure, you’ll be under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain. After the surgery, it’s common to have some swelling and tenderness around the eyes, but this can be managed with Tylenol and cold compresses. Dr. Jigar Sitapara and his team will ensure you’re comfortable throughout the entire process and provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to minimize any discomfort during recovery.

The number of appointments needed for upper eyelid surgery typically includes a few key visits. You’ll start with an initial consultation where Dr. Sitapara will assess your needs and create a personalized treatment plan. The surgery itself will be scheduled as a separate appointment. After your procedure, you’ll have at least two follow-up appointments to monitor your healing, remove any sutures, and ensure you’re on track to achieve the best results. Dr. Sitapara is committed to being with you every step and providing support and guidance throughout your journey.

You’ll begin to notice improvements in your appearance within a few weeks after upper eyelid surgery as the initial swelling and bruising start to subside. Most patients see significant results around the one-month mark, with the final outcome becoming more apparent over the next few months as your eyelids fully heal. The refreshed, more youthful look achieved by the surgery will continue to improve as the healing process progresses, allowing you to enjoy long-lasting results. Dr. Sitapara will guide you through each stage of recovery and ensure you’re happy with your results as they develop.

Scarring from upper eyelid surgery is typically minimal and well-hidden. Dr. Jigar Sitapara carefully places the incisions within the natural creases of your eyelids, making the scars nearly invisible once healed. Over time, the scars will continue to fade and blend seamlessly with the surrounding skin. With proper care and following Dr. Sitapara’s post-operative instructions, scarring will be discreet and should not detract from your overall appearance.

After upper eyelid surgery, giving your body time to heal before resuming exercise is essential. Most patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and vigorous exercise, for at least 2 to 3 weeks following the procedure. Light activities, such as walking, can usually be resumed within a few days, but anything that raises your blood pressure or causes strain should be avoided to reduce the risk of complications. Dr. Sitapara will provide you with specific guidelines based on your recovery progress, ensuring you return to your regular exercise routine safely and at the right time.

Upper eyelid surgery can be effectively combined with other procedures to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Many patients choose to pair it with complementary treatments for enhanced results. Some popular options include:

• Lower Eyelid Surgery
• Brow Lift: Combining a brow lift with upper eyelid surgery can elevate the brows, smooth forehead wrinkles, and further open up the eyes for a refreshed look.
• Facelift: For those looking to address aging across multiple areas of the face, a facelift can be performed in conjunction with upper eyelid surgery to tighten the skin, reduce sagging, and enhance overall facial contours.

During your consultation, Dr. Jigar Sitapara will discuss your goals and recommend the best combination of procedures to help you achieve your desired outcome.

Dr. Sitapara welcomes out-of-town patients, including those from New York, for upper eyelid surgery. He offers telehealth consultations and follow-up visits to make your experience as convenient as possible. Whether you’re taking the train from New York or flying into BWI for your surgery, our team will seamlessly coordinate your care with our private surgical suite. Located in the scenic lakefront of Columbia, Maryland, our practice is just steps away from beautiful hotels, relaxing spas, and a variety of dining options, including Whole Foods, ensuring your stay is comfortable and convenient.

Upper eyelid surgery is generally safe, but like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks. Potential risks include:

• Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, which can usually be managed with antibiotics.
• Bleeding or Hematoma: Excessive bleeding or the formation of a hematoma (a collection of blood outside of blood vessels) can occur, though it’s rare.
• Scarring: While Dr. Sitapara takes great care to minimize scarring, visible scars are always possible, though they typically fade over time.
• Dry Eyes or Irritation: During the initial recovery period, some patients may experience dry eyes, irritation, or difficulty closing their eyes completely.
• Asymmetry: There is a slight risk that the eyelids may heal unevenly, leading to asymmetry, which may require additional correction.
• Vision Changes: Temporary changes in vision, such as blurred or double vision, are very rare. 

Dr. Jigar Sitapara and his Prime Facial Plastic Surgery team take every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure a safe and successful outcome. During your consultation, Dr. Sitapara will discuss these risks in detail, address any concerns you may have, and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your surgery.

Finding the best plastic surgeon for Upper Eyelid Surgery in Baltimore involves a few key steps:

• Research Credentials: Look for a surgeon who is board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery or Plastic Surgery, like Dr. Sitapara. Board certification ensures that the surgeon has the necessary training, skills, and experience.
• Read Reviews and Testimonials: Check online reviews and patient testimonials to gauge the surgeon’s reputation and patient satisfaction. Look for consistent positive feedback, especially related to results and patient care.
• Schedule a Consultation: The consultation is your opportunity to meet the surgeon, ask questions, and discuss your goals. Pay attention to how comfortable you feel with the surgeon, their willingness to listen, and their ability to explain the procedure clearly.
• Consider the Surgeon’s Approach: Look for a surgeon who takes a personalized approach, tailoring the procedure to your specific needs and goals. A surgeon who values patient safety, satisfaction, and natural-looking results is ideal.

By following these steps, you can find a skilled and trustworthy surgeon like Dr. Sitapara, who is dedicated to providing excellent care and achieving the best possible outcomes for his patients.

Postoperative Instructions

NOTE: IF YOU ARE UNDERGOING A PROCEDURE UNDER ANESTHESIA (NOT LOCAL ANESTHESIA ALONE), DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE.

Amazon Post-Op List: https://a.co/cfYUsv8

Dr. Sitapara has curated these items to help you breeze through your recovery (please review ingredients for any allergies or contraindications):

• L-Arginine Pro – Scientifically proven to aid in healing time and pain. Consume 1 scoop per day for the week before surgery and the week after surgery.
• Vitamedica Bromelain – Studies show significant reduction in bruising. Take one pill per day for one week before surgery and the week after surgery.
• General Gauze Sponges – Use as needed for wound care. Non-woven for comfort.
• Extra Strength Tylenol – Lay a foundation of pain control before using additional pain medications for spikes in discomfort. 500mg rapid release tablets to take every 4-6 hours. Do not exceed 4000mg per day (8 tablets).
• Refresh Eye Drops – Soothe dry or irritated eyes as needed. Put the box in the fridge for added comfort.
• Chloroseptic Spray – To soothe any throat irritation after surgery.

Sleep Options – We generally recommend sleeping with your head slightly elevated after surgery to reduce swelling. You should also be sleeping strictly on your back. Explore these options to find what works best for you:

• AM Aeromax Back Sleep Training Pillow – Design trains you to sleep on your back. Recommend placing on top of another flat pillow to keep head elevated. Machine washable cover.
• Cozymaker Wedge – Elevates your head and neck to an optimum angle. May need to combine with an airplane neck pillow to prevent side sleeping.
• Airplane Pillow – Hair Transplant Patients should bring this on the day of surgery.

The following instructions apply to patients who have undergone blepharoplasty. Since no two patients are exactly alike in their surgical needs, type of surgery performed, or rate of healing, we may individualize these guidelines for each patient. If any modifications are necessary, we will provide specific instructions. Otherwise, we urge you to follow the advice below carefully to accelerate healing and maximize your surgical outcome.

Preoperative Instructions

• If possible, do not take any aspirin or NSAID medications (ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, etc.) for 14 days prior to your procedure, unless otherwise advised by your personal physician. If this is not possible, please inform your surgeon before surgery.
• Avoid alcohol for 7 days prior to surgery to aid in the healing process.
• If you are having this procedure while awake, make sure to have a meal before coming into the office.

Postoperative Instructions

• Sleep on your back with your head elevated.
• Blepharoplasty usually causes little to no post-operative pain. If you experience significant, persistent sharp pain, notify our office immediately.
• Icing for the first 48 hours after surgery will improve healing. Apply bottled or sterile water to gauze pads, place them over your eyes, and then apply baggies of frozen vegetables over the pads. Change as they become warm. It is recommended to prepare 6-8 baggies before surgery for easy access at home. No need to ice overnight.
• Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing pain medications.
• You may use your eyes for reading or TV viewing as often as you wish.
• Apply the prescription eye ointment to the incision twice daily. Use sparingly—a small amount is sufficient. Excess use may melt and temporarily blur vision.
• Do not wear contact lenses for at least two weeks. Pulling on the eyelids while inserting or removing lenses may interfere with incision healing. Glasses may be used at any time.
• Avoid mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadow until approved by our team (usually 10-14 days). Minimal makeup on bruising of the lower lid is acceptable, but do not pull on the lids or incisions. Camouflage makeup instruction is available if desired.
• Any redness of the whites of the eyeballs is a form of bruising and will subside during the healing process.
• Walking is encouraged after surgery, but avoid any activity that raises your heart rate or blood pressure.
• 1-2 weeks post-surgery: You may progress to walking 3 miles for exercise.
• After 2 weeks: Slowly reintroduce exercise into your routine.
• After 3 weeks: Avoid vigorous exercise or sports until approved by our team.
• Avoid sun exposure, as it can impair wound healing and worsen scarring.
• Suture removal: Stitches are removed at different times depending on the extent of surgery, type of stitches, and your skin type. This usually occurs between 5-8 days post-op.
• Mild itching and tightness of the eyelids during early healing is normal.

If you have any concerns, please reach out to our office for further guidance.